the client seeks a Senior Vice President for Development to lead its development team with a collaborative, player-coach approach. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role provides strategic vision and direction for donor cultivation and engagement, energizing and supporting advancement team members while contributing personally through a portfolio of donors. The SVP will foster meaningful connections among alumni and across campus communities and will play an integral part in advancing the client’s strategic goals and supporting key priorities across related academic divisions.
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree such as an MBA or related field preferred. The role calls for more than ten years of progressive nonprofit development leadership experience, including at least five years in senior executive roles (e.g., Vice President of Development, Chief Development Officer, Associate Vice President, or Senior Vice President). Experience in higher-education development is a plus. Success in securing major and principal gifts and leading complex, large-scale fundraising campaigns is essential.
This position requires broad fundraising discipline experience, including major and principal gifts, complex gifts, and planned giving, along with comfort operating both as a strategic leader and hands-on partner. The SVP should have a proven ability to recruit, lead, and develop high-performing teams and demonstrate strong knowledge of fundraising operations and donor management practices, including CRM systems. Strong financial acumen is expected, including experience with budget development and revenue forecasting, supported by a data-driven, analytical mindset. The candidate should also be an exceptional relationship builder and communicator, capable of crafting compelling proposals, presentations, and donor communications.